Running for Life: “I’m Not a Quitter”

Posted byAbPosted inADHD, adoption, FASD, gratitude, growth mindset, love, motivation, Parenting, Resiliency, wellbeingTags:, , , , , , , ,

Thanksgiving is quieter and simpler this year.

Two years ago, I hosted dinner for Ma and my sister; the latter had just moved in with us after receiving her terminal cancer diagnosis.

Last year, Ma was at the Philippines for an extended visit and I don’t remember if we even did anything for Thanksgiving.

So much has changed in just two years.

Life doesn’t stop and we keep moving, because we want to get as much from this journey before the finish line.

The start of a new school year means the start of cross country season.

For the third year, T signed up for the cross country team.

He enjoys running and the daily practice runs at school are good for him.

At the beginning of October, his school participated in the first cross country meetup of the year.

He did well in Grade 2 but not so well last year.

We reminded him to pace himself, to keep running and to make a hard sprint at the end.

The hubby took the day off and volunteered as a helper, so he got a front row view of the race.

T did great! 28th out of over 100 boys.

Even better, he qualified for the next meetup, the first time he’s advanced to the next round, mid October!

We are all so thrilled and proud of him!

Every morning, I play Wordle.

For the last two years, faith has been my opening word.

It’s something I reflected on through my family’s adversity. How do you keep going through challenges and have faith everything will be ok?

The lesson I’ve learned is things don’t always turn out ok. But despite things not turning out the way you hoped, you will get through it.

On September 27, 2024, after over two years, faith paid off.

This past Tuesday, T’s school hosted their annual curriculum night, where parents got to visit the classroom.

It was nice to tour T’s classroom and to see the strategies his CYW have put in place to help him be successful.

They are currently dealing with task completion and negative attention seeking behaviour – so we’re strategizing to find ways to help T.

Present day me is responding more calmly than me two years ago – so it’s nice to see my growth! 😆

T’s class were asked to write a letter to share with their parents that night and this was T’s lovely letter for us. 💕

Thanksgiving is quieter and simpler this year.

It’s just the three of us and the hubby is preparing a small cut of turkey breast and homemade stuffing; T is helping me cook Hong Kong Tomato Beef.

Later this week, the hubby and I will cheer T on at round two of the cross country meetup.

It’d be amazing if T made it in the Top 20 so he could advance to the final round: the city-wide championship.

Regardless of what happens, the experience in itself is the blessing.

It’s not always easy being T’s parent, but he’s the reason I run for life and don’t quit.

As we help him continue to process his FASD diagnosis, we remind him it’s not the finish line that matters – but the process and journey of practice, persevering and not giving up.

On this Thanksgiving Day, these are reminders that there is so much to be thankful for.

38 thoughts on “Running for Life: “I’m Not a Quitter””

  1. OH, that LETTER! i was going to suggest to laminate it to keep it secure but I saw you were framing it – use UV glass so it doesn’t fade. It’s truly a keeper….. I also play wordle every day – and I love your word – it’s so YOU (That I know thru our virtual friendship). My go to is Shade – I wonder what that says about me….hmmm….

    Congrats to T on his running! I am so impressed!

    Happy Belated Thanksgiving – I am thankful, I met you!

    V

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    1. Thanks Vickie! 💕 It was indeed such a heartwarming letter. We want to frame it and great idea to use UG glass.

      Shade is a good word. A nice mix of consonants and vowels. 🙏

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  2. What a beautiful letter from T. ❤️I do understand finding your way through all of lives unexpected twists and turns. I love your wisdom in knowing it will all be ok.

    I hope that you had a wonderful Thanksgiving.

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    1. Thank you, LaDonna. Thanksgiving was quieter this year but was nicely spent together just us three. 🙏 Hope you’ll have a nice one with loved ones in a few weeks.

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  4. I love this post, Ab. This line really resonates with me: “The lesson I’ve learned is things don’t always turn out ok. But despite things not turning out the way you hoped, you will get through it.” You always help ME keep the faith!

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  5. Another small win, for you, your hubby, and most importantly, for T. I hope he did well in the next round. However, whatever the result was, I want to wish you and your family Happy Thanksgiving because indeed there is so much to be thankful for.

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    1. Thanks Bama! 💕 It was a nice Thanksgiving weekend. And welcome back from your trip. I can’t wait to read and see more from what sounded like a wonderful long-awaited adventure!

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  8. Congratulations T, that is wonderful he came in 28th! Sports has to be so good for T and kudos to you two for keeping T involved in such a variety of them. His letter really tugged at my heart. It must be awesome to know how much he appreciates all you both do for him. Happy belated Thanksgiving, your meal looks delicious!

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    1. Thanks Diane! Sports is definitely a good outlet. We’re on our way now to round two of the meet. 🙂 I happen to have the day off so it worked out perfectly. 💕

      The meal did end up being yum too! And I bet you’re excited to have yours in a few weeks.

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  9. Absolutely beautiful, Ab! What an image – running for life and not quitting. Wow! I love your comment about how you’ve grown too. Isn’t it amazing to notice that too? That faith pays off is a such a beautiful thing to witness! Happy Thanksgiving!

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    1. Thanks Wynne! I love that he added his own customized message on the sign. 💕 It’s hard on some days but on the days it does pay off, it is wonderful. Hope you are all enjoying your shorter week! 😊

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  10. You’re absolutely right about how life doesn’t stop and that we have to keep moving our mind and bodies. Yay for T for showing improvement with his running and that he advanced to the next round of cross country. Keep us posted on how he does later this week. I’m impressed that you solved Wordle in one shot. I play regularly and the best I’ve gotten is in two tries. And that’s happened once. Love the letter T wrote to you and the hubby to show his gratitude and the things he’s thankful for.

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    1. Thanks Linda! I think the Wordle was a total fluke. I played the same opening word for over two years. It was bound to happen at some point. 😆

      His race is on Thursday. I have tomorrow to Friday off (every week should be a 1-day work week! 😆) so will be cheering him on in person. 🙏

      Hope you all had a nice Thanksgiving too!

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      1. Good luck to T today! And enjoy your one-day work week!! I can’t help but laugh how you didn’t just take the full week off! But hey, that just means you get to save your one vacation day for another time to hopefully get another short work week!

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  11. Go T Go! We’re all cheering him on. “Life doesn’t stop and we keep moving, because we want to get as much from this journey before the finish line.” Beautiful line, but make sure you’re taking time out for yourself too. In cross country terms, it’s the journey that counts. Happy Thanksgiving Ab!!!!🍁🍁🍁

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    1. Thanks Brian! I’m reading your comment as I’m ready to pass out from the day. So I hear you on the taking out for myself too. So so needed. The journey is indeed the joy in this cross country life! 💕

      Hope you all had a nice long weekend as well. So lucky you still have Thanksgiving to look forward to in a few weeks!

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  14. Another absolutely captivating and endearing post, Ab. Your sagas with T are always endearing, and his letter was wonderful. Make sure you keep it. Someday you can remind him just how many things he was thankful for! And what a promising runner. Go, T!! Happy Thanksgiving!

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    1. Thanks Jane! It does feel like a saga on some days with its ups and downs. 😆 We plan to frame the letter. It’s a keeper for sure. 💕 Hope you all had a nice Thanksgiving too!

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    1. I was going to say have faith but that word’s been used already! 😆

      Hope you’re doing well, Margie. I know last week was a difficult anniversary and sending you and your loved ones lots of strength!

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    1. Thank you, Jodee! I agree with you that life a marathon, not a sprint, and the key is to pace ourselves and keep on moving. 💕🙏

      Hope you had a nice long weekend as well!

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